No. 14 • July 2004

SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY PRESS5600 CITY AVENUEPHILADELPHIA, PA 19131

Address Service Requested Founded in 1997 and published biannually by the International Commission on Salesian Studies (ICSS) of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

“HIS FACE WAS ALL GENTLENESS AND PEACE WHEN HE LOOKED AT YOU”: ENCOUNTERING FRANCIS DE SALES THE PREACHER

It would be difficult to exaggerate her chair placed opposite the pulpit. the long-term significance and impact When Francis mounted the pulpit to of the meeting for the first time of begin his sermon, Jane recognized Francis de Sales, the 37-year-old him as the figure she had seen in her Savoyard prince bishop of Geneva vision in the meadow on the estate of resident at Annecy, and Jane Frances Bourbilly where she had lived with Frémyot Baroness de Chantal, the her husband. For his part, Francis 32-year-old Burgundian widow of took note of the young widow’s three years with four small children, presence and close attention to his on Friday, 5 March 1604. It has been sermon, later questioning his host, observed that without that encounter Figure 1. St. Francis de Sales Preaching in Dijon on 5 André Frémyot, the archbishop and the subsequent friendship March 1604 (detail). 1941-52. Stained-glass window by of Bourges and Jane’s brother, about between Francis and Jane that Charles Plessard and Francis Chigot, Limoges, France. this woman. André was pleased to flowered, perhaps there would not be Basilica of St. Francis de Sales, Annecy. introduce her as his sister.2 the Salesian charism as we know it, The following is a sampling of fewer than half of the the Visitation Order and other institutes and communities, such A Pastoral Bishop topics that will be studied in this volume: as the De Sales Oblates, Oblate Sisters, Salesians of Don Bosco, Breaking Open God’s Word PROGRESS REPORT The Mystery of Encounter in Christian Humanism: From the and Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, would not have been Mystics of the Low Countries to Ignatius Loyola and Francis founded, and Francis may not have been canonized a saint and What was it like to encounter Francis de Sales? de Sales declared a doctor of the Church.1 Jane first encountered Francis not as a spiritual director, but as The Freedom to Love: An In-Depth Look at Francis de Sales’s The initial encounter of Francis and Jane took place in the a pastoral bishop faithfully carrying out his primary episcopal ICSS Special Project Letter of 16 October 1604 to Jane de Chantal Sainte-Chapelle in Dijon, the ancient city of the dukes of responsibility of breaking open the Word of God. In fact, Burgundy. Lent and Advent were the two most important this was the way that many people first encountered Francis, for 2004-2005 Dying and Death in the Life of St. Francis de Sales and of St. Jane de Chantal preaching seasons of the year, and in the major cities of Europe, and Francis’s exercise of spiritual direction was often the it was the custom to invite a preacher of renown to spend the continuation of the “heart to heart” dialogue that began in “True and Public Knowledge”: The Political, Religious and The response to the call for proposals for submissions for duration of these seasons, preaching at least three times a week, his preaching. Social Context of Jeanne de Chantal’s Testimony for the if not daily or in some cases several times a day. Francis had The testimony offered at the processes for Francis’s the book of collected essays, Human Encounter in the Canonization of François de Sales Salesian Tradition, being sponsored and published by been invited to preach the Lenten season of 1604 in Dijon. canonization by Jane and others (especially St. Vincent de Paul the ICSS to commemorate the 4th centenary of the initial Meeting Saint François de Sales in Word and Image: Adrien Francis’s sermons were greatly anticipated by the populace [1581-1660], and Claude Favre de Vaugelas [1585-1650], the Gambart’s Emblem-Book (1664) meeting of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de of Dijon, and on that 5 March, Jane was among the crowd renowned grammarian and influential member of the Académie Chantal in 1604, has exceeded all expectations. Proposals Picturing the Way of Perfection: Gregory Huret’s Engravings of surging into the Sainte-Chapelle to hear the bishop. Jane had Française) open a window onto what encounter with our saint as were submitted by more than twenty Salesian scholars from St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1644) in Their Teresian Context an impressive international array of institutions: Université Salesian Encounters and Their Consequences: Mother Marie de Limoges; Université de Haute Alsace, Mulhouse; de Sales Chappuis—Father Louis Brisson—Léonie Françoise Ruhr-Universität Bochum; The Catholic University of de Sales Aviat Transitions in Membership of the ICSS Louvain; ICSS; Franz von Sales Verlag, Monastery of the Visitation, Annecy; De Sales University; Bryn Mawr Salesian Youth Spirituality: The Encounter between Don As the 2003-2004 year ends, Fr. Jean studies into the digital age by his pioneering The Superior General and his Council Bosco and Dominic Savio Gayet, OSFS, of the French Province, and indispensable CD-ROMs of the works of have appointed Fr. Dirk Koster, OSFS, of the College; Creighton University; Saint Joseph’s University; concludes his long, distinguished, and St. Francis de Sales and Fr. Brisson, and of Dutch Province, as the new member of George Washington University; Dominican School of St. Francis de Sales and Viktor E. Frankl: Salesian Ministry exemplary service on the ICSS. We extend Salesian iconography. We pray that the the ICSS. We extend a warm welcome to Theology, Berkeley Theological Union; and Washington and Logotherapy our deepest, heartfelt Salesian fraternal thanks Congregation will continue to benefit from his Fr. Koster, and thank him for generously Theological Consortium. Ecumenical Relationships and Dialogue Today: Insights from to Fr. Gayet for his invaluable and always singular Salesian expertise and extraordinary accepting this appointment, to which he the Salesian Tradition generous and gracious collaboration in the gift for languages for many years to come, and brings great enthusiasm and energy for our work of the ICSS. Fr. Gayet ushered Salesian to Fr. Gayet, we say “Ad multos annos!” Oblate mission and Salesian charism.

2 ICSS NEWSLETTER ICSS NEWSLETTER 3 preacher must have been like for his contemporaries. most abstruse mysteries of our holy faith” (TSC, 104) so “that his conviction that the spoken word has the unique ability to predestination. It was precisely this attribute of Francis that The principal hallmarks of Salesian spirituality are salient in listeners found it easy and pleasant to follow him” (VdeP, 82). communicate the profound inner core of the speaker to the led Vincent de Paul to exclaim: “How good You are, O God, Francis’s ministry of preaching, including the primacy of the Vaugelas offers the most ample testimony on this point: innermost depths of the listener’s being.4 In preaching, Francis my God, how good You are, since indeed in my Lord Francis heart, the importance of adaptability, the indispensability of “never used a word that did not serve its purpose. . . . Most of de Sales, your creature, there is such great gentleness!” human relationships, and the practice of the relational virtues of I have never known a preacher who delighted and touched me all did he excel in his selection of words, of which he made so (VdeP, 91). Indeed, it was widely held by Francis’s contem- humility and gentleness (see “The Salesian Charism and the as deeply as he did. I experienced an extraordinary pleasure in exquisite a choice that it rendered him slow and deliberate in poraries that he revealed what our Lord must have been like in Second Vatican Council,” ICSS Newsletter, No. 13 [Dec. 2003- listening to him. To begin with, he had as his object the only his delivery” (CFdeV, 14). Francis recommended that preaching His interaction with people, that he “reflected the Son of God Jan. 2004]: 1-3). real purpose of the preacher—the conversion of souls— be “a little slow” and deliberate, “to avoid a kind of curt as a living image,” and “in seeing him they seemed to see our Francis was equally at ease preaching to a small flock or a towards which he labored rather by way of the love of God and brusque way that diverts the eyes rather than pierces the Lord on earth.”5 large congregation, to his Visitation sisters or the court. than by the fear of hell. . . . [T]he whole of his sermon was so heart” (Oeuvres, 12:322). Sometimes the number of people who turned out to hear him judicious, so well arranged, that—although I have a very poor Our saint was acutely aware of the power of the spoken A Picture Worth a Thousand Words was so great that he had to wade through the crowd to get to the memory—it would have been easy for me to remember with a word, for he confessed to Vincent de Paul that he “could sense pulpit. In Paris in 1618, the crowd who came to hear him minimum of effort all that he had said. His language was clear, when someone was inwardly moved by his preaching. ‘For I It is a truism that a picture is worth a thousand words. preach in the church of the vigorous, persuasive. . . . Not only noticed,’ he said, ‘that something went out from me, not This reflection began with the image of Francis preaching on Oratorians on the feast of St. Martin that: his mind abounded with through any inspiration of mine … but uttered by me through 5 March 1604 in Dijon (Figure 1). We conclude by focusing of Tours was so immense that beautiful thoughts. So fertile was divine impulse’” (VdeP, 82). In the Introduction to the Devout on another image of Francis preaching (Figure 2). While Francis Francis could not make his way he in his ideas, that many great and Life, Francis likens the spoken word to a dart that enters the was preaching in the church of St. Dominic in Chambéry, the into the building at all, and was well-read people have confessed body through the ear and penetrates the heart (Pt. 3, ch. 27). centuries-old capital of his native Savoy (before the capital was forced to reach the pulpit from that they never listened to his According to Francis, thought is breathed forth by the heart to transferred to Turin in 1563), on Good Friday, 24 March 1606, outside by means of a ladder to the preaching without hearing much the tongue that utters the word that is breathed in by the ear the congregation saw the seven-foot 13th-century Crucifix facing nearest window. that was quite new to them, and and goes straight to the heart (Introduction, Pt. 3, ch. 21). Francis project rays of light that enveloped him. With his characteristic personal which they had never before read Vincent reports that Francis’s words inflamed his listeners Unlike that other great lover of the cross of Christ, his balance, Francis always kept such in any book or heard from any “like burning darts” (VdeP, 82) that enkindled their hearts with patron saint Francis of Assisi who received the stigmata in the events in proper perspective. For speaker (CFdeV, 14-15). “a powerful flame of spiritual devotion” (VdeP, 85). rustic solitude of Mount Alvernia, Francis de Sales is illuminated example, Jane recounts: “One day by the crucified Savior in the midst of an urban parish church when he came back after preaching So effective was Francis’s Adaptability to Circumstances and filled to capacity, as he faithfully carries out his primary to a large and distinguished con- preaching that, during his mission- People in Their Particularity responsibility as a bishop to preach the Word of God. gregation, I asked him whether he was ary days in the Chablais, the local Concurrently Francis reflects this illumination to his hearers by satisfied with his sermon. ‘No,’ he said, newspaper warned its readers to In day-to-day interaction with people, Francis was at ease his ministry of the Word, which, as Francis counseled André without the least concern for the avoid encountering this dangerous with and “most approachable and very easy of access to anyone Frémyot, is, above all, “the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19; world’s esteem, ‘but does it really man adept in the arts of black who wanted to talk to him” (TSC, 138). Simply put, he loved Oeuvres, 12:325). Finally, this episode would have confirmed the matter?’” (TSC, 85). Jane later adds, magic who cast a spell over his people. This attention to and care for people in their perception by his contemporaries that, by his gentleness, Francis JFC “he was not out to be a great preacher, listeners by his bewitching lan- particularity was also characteristic of Francis’s preaching, which was a living image of the Son of God on earth. ) though in fact he was one, and guage. During that Lent of 1604 in was never generalized or abstract, but adapted to the concrete recognized as such by universal Dijon, Francis “won all hearts” needs of the listeners seated before him. “He displayed admirable opinion, yet without laying any claim (TSC, 104). At his departure a judgment in his exact observance of the actual circumstance, REFERENCES to this reputation” (TSC, 104). large crowd gathered to bid him whether of place, time or particular audience” (CFdeV, 45). farewell, and some shouted that This manner of preaching made each individual feel that he/she The quotation in the title is from St. Francis de Sales: A Testimony by A Fresh and Engaging Manner of “he was a great thief because he was personally being addressed, and elicited a response of warm St. Chantal, ed. and trans. with an introduction by E. Stopp (London: affection and trust from all (TSC, 105). Faber and Faber/Hyattsville, Md.: Institute of Salesian Studies, 1967), 49, Preaching was stealing away every heart in hereafter TSC. References to the testimony of St. Vincent de Paul are to Francis spent time getting to know the people to whom he Figure 2. St. Francis de Sales Preaching in Chambéry on Good Dijon; as indeed he did, for he his Correspondence, Conferences, Documents III, newly trans., ed., and Protestantism had won its was preaching. During that Lent of 1604, he was not only a annotated by Marie Poole et al., vol. XIIIa (Hyde Park, NY: New City Friday, 24 March 1606. Lithograph, 19th-century France. found a place deep in all their success primarily through preaching. frequent guest in the homes of the first families of Dijon, but Press, 2003), 80-96, hereafter VdeP, and to that of Claude Favre de affections” (TSC, 148). Vaugelas are to V. Kerns, “Francis de Sales in the Pulpit,” Salesian Studies, Many people in Francis’s diocese also, as Jane testifies, “he was at home to anyone who wanted 5, no. 4 (Autumn 1968):9-20, esp. 14-15, hereafter CFdeV. were attracted to Calvinism by their longing for a deeper “Heart speaks to heart”: Recovering the to see him, he heard very many confessions, gave many talks, religious life that they were not finding in Catholicism. Biblical Model of Communication taught people the ways of the life of the spirit, visited hospitals, 1. This topic will be the focus of the essay “The Flowering of a A major way that Francis sought to counteract Calvinism’s prisoners and the sick. I myself witnessed all this when he was Friendship,” to appear in the ICSS volume of collected essays Human attraction was to reclaim the pulpit by developing a riveting “Our words must be set aflame, not by shouts and at Dijon” (TSC, 105). Francis’s “way of life was [deemed] as Encounter in the Salesian Tradition. and novel form of preaching that aimed to win the hearts of his unrestrained gestures, but by inward affection. Say what you effective a sermon as his doctrine” (TSC, 104). 2. A more detailed account of this episode may be found in W. M. Wright, listeners, stirring them to conversion and the practice of virtue, will, lips speak but to ears, heart speaks to heart” (Oeuvres, Bond of Perfection: Jeanne de Chantal & François de Sales, new enhanced rather than simply to convince or impress them with erudition. 12:321). Thus Francis writes in his famous letter of 5 October A Living Image of the Son of God ed. (Stella Niagara, NY: De Sales Resource Center, 2001), 33-36. His sermons “focused on the beauty of the Catholic faith in all 1604 to his younger colleague in the episcopacy, André 3. W. M. Wright, Seeking God’s Will Together: Discernment in the Salesian World of Hearts (Wilmington, De.: Wilmington-Philadelphia its rich symmetry, rather than upon negative characterizations Frémyot, on the ministry of preaching. The overwhelming impression that Francis made on those who encountered him, whether in the pulpit or on the street, Province, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, 2003), 5. or even disputed doctrinal questions.”3 Francis’s ministry of the Francis’s understanding of the heart is rooted in the Bible was that “his face was all gentleness and peace when he looked 4. See W. J. Ong, The Presence of the Word: Some Prolegomena for Word also served “to inspire all his priests to give of their best” (see ICSS Newsletter, No. 13 [Dec. 2003-Jan. 2004]: 2). So too Cultural and Religious History (New Haven: Yale Univ. Press, 1967), (TSC, 141). is his emphasis on the heart’s pivotal role in human at you” (TSC, 49). Francis’s gentleness made tangible his 12-14, 176-91. “What people most admired in [Francis’s] preaching was his communication, particularly preaching. Francis’s theology of generous vision of divine love and grace, and contrasts 5. Jane de Chantal, letter of Dec. 1623 to Dom Jean de Saint François, very easy and clear way” of explaining Sacred Scripture and “the preaching as “heart speaking to heart” is based on the Biblical dramatically with the severity of Calvinism and its doctrine of in TSC, 165-72, at 172.

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blessing my decision to go to Haiti really was…. of their great successes (a verdant valley, with a town of The first part of my trip seemed to be visions of rough thousands of prospering farmers, where there once was roads, garbage, poverty beyond belief, and of being a only dryness and little hope), to teach people in Haiti very white minority in a seemingly dangerous how to successfully irrigate the land.… population of very black people. I kept asking myself: What the hell did you get yourself into, and how are This moving account of the remarkable work being done by you going to stay here eight days? I slept in a hot room, Fr. Tom Hagan, Hands Together, and other missionaries is a on a small, thin cot, and did not like that a bit…. concrete example of what it means to be counter-cultural and to build a new society here on earth when one is inspired and After the initial feeling of fear, Fr. O’Connor experienced a motivated by an authentic Salesian spirituality. strong desire to get close to the people of Haiti. Their need SALESIAN STUDIES aroused in him a reciprocal need. French Province Each day I would go with Tom to have Mass with Fr. Michel Tournade, OSFS, Provincial of the French Province, Mother Teresa’s sisters. That was a real joy. It was gave two in-service days: one to 250 principals, and the second WORLDWIDE powerful to go and participate with them in their to 200 teachers of schools, conducted under the auspices of the ministries. The first day I was there, I went into their Congregation of the Oblate Sisters in France. His presentation, orphanage, where there were 170 children. I was afraid given on both occasions at the motherhouse of the Congregation to touch the babies, many of whom had HIV and AIDS, in Troyes, France, centered on Salesian pedagogy. and was really just horrified by the sight of all those scores upon scores of malnourished and sick babies in The Oblate Sisters in cooperation with the Oblates launched a ICSS Website Intention.’” In the more recent article, Fr. Ceresko examines the their metal cribs. By day four and five, the doctor I was volunteer program for young people who want to spend a little Direction of Intention in the light of eschatology and sees it as a travelling with and I had gone back and we were playing time—one, two or six months, or a year—in social work or In our last issue, we introduced you to the new webmaster of powerful way of being counter-cultural in striving to create a new with the kids for hours, chasing them around the education with the Oblate Sisters or the Oblates in South Africa, the ICSS website, Fr. Herbert Winklehner, OSFS, of the society by bringing about God’s kingdom of justice, love, and peace orphanage, laughing, carrying them in our arms, and on Namibia, or Ecuador. The young people have found these Austrian/South German Province and a member of the ICSS. in this world. He clearly demonstrates how this practice, which is our shoulders. It was really something wonderful. I went experiences to be very positive, and more and more of them are He has been steadily working on improving the organization and at the heart of Salesian spirituality, takes on a fresh and fuller to a wound clinic the nuns sponsored, and they worked asking to go abroad to devote some time to be with the poorest appearance of the site and adding a wealth of new materials, making meaning. He concludes by suggesting we say this prayer before rapidly and efficiently cleaning the most horrible of the poor. A team of Oblates and Oblate sisters consisting of it more international in scope. For example, under “Salesian Links,” each of our daily actions: “My God, give me Your grace. I offer You wounds I have ever seen on hundreds of patients. You Fr. Tournade, Fr. Jean-Luc Leroux, OSFS, Mother Françoise he has included a number of new links for the Visitation Sisters, all the good that I shall do in this action and all the pain and know what? I joined right in and helped them. I really Isabelle (the late Mother General of the Oblate Sisters), and two especially a very attractive site of the Visitation in Italy. This site suffering to be found in it. Stay close to me and help me to see felt like I was doing something profoundly good. other Oblate sisters, and a young person who had volunteer contains not only the addresses of the 30 Italian monasteries, but how what I am doing can advance ‘Christ’s blessed hold upon experience in Ecuador met twice last year to give the program a also the Visitation monasteries worldwide. In addition, there are the universe.’ Amen.” We went and saw the schools Tom had built, and it was more formal structure based on lived experiences. The program links to Salesian centers in Bosnia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, really something seeing schools with the names of our has been given the name « Avec les Oblats et les Oblates de Saint- and the Slovak Republic. Moreover, to commemorate the 400th Oblate Haitian Mission patrons: St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, François de Sales, Jeunes Voluntaires Salésiens Vers d’autres anniversary of the encounter of Jane and Francis, he has included and to see the portraits of them, and Louis Brisson, and cultures » (With the Oblates and Oblate Sisters, Young Salesian the German version of the early letters of Francis to Jane. The world’s spotlight was recently turned on all the turmoil in Mother Chappuis, and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Volunteers Reaching Out to Other Cultures). Eventually the Scholars will be interested in perusing a 1665 edition of a French this postage stamp-sized and poverty-stricken Caribbean country. I bet Mickey McGrath has no idea that Haiti had so volunteer opportunities will extend to Brazil, Bénin, and India. translation of Scuopoli’s Spiritual Combat, which has been digitized Very little appears in the mainstream media of the heroic efforts many copies of his paintings! I felt very proud to be an by Fr. Jean Gayet, OSFS. The rejuvenated site is really worth of missionaries—lay, religious, and priests—to ease and alleviate Oblate: that we have allowed Tom to bring our During Founders’ Days, the chapel of Notre-Dame de Lumière a good look and can be accessed at www.franz-von-sales.de the pain and suffering of the many poor and oppressed Haitians spirituality and to do so much good in our name in such (Our Lady of Light), the crypt of Saint-Gilles, the reception area or www.desales.edu/salesian. and to improve their quality of life by not merely helping them to a sad part of the world. Those schools are such an oasis of the sisters’ motherhouse with its stained-glass windows and have more, but, in the words of Pope John Paul II, “to be more.” of sanity, order, civilization, and hope in a mad world. the map of the worldwide foundations of the Oblates and Oblate Asian Region The vivid impressions recorded by Fr. Patrick O’Connor, OSFS, Sisters, the famous astronomical clock constructed by Fr. Louis pastor of St. Brendan’s parish, Shallotte, North Carolina, of his We drove up North, for many hours, past the city of Brisson, founder with St. Léonie Aviat, of both congregations, The Indian Journal of Spirituality published in its July– September visit to this country give a good idea of what Fr. Thomas Hagan, Gonaive, into the interior, and saw more of the schools are regular tourist attractions, where official tour guides of Troyes 2003 issue an article by Fr. Anthony Ceresko, OSFS, on OSFS, has accomplished there in a very short time. that Hands Together built—just amazing, again, the art bring visitors. These guides give a brief history of each “‘To Reward Them Afterwards…’: Eschatology and St. Francis de and names reflecting our Oblate heritage. I saw the congregation and of their founders. Since the canonization of Sales’s ‘Direction of Intention’ or ‘Right Intending of Deeds.’” … I write this because I went to Haiti for eight days. water projects Tom has built that are turning dry, desert Mother Aviat, the motherhouse of the Oblate Sisters in Troyes This is a follow-up article to his “St. Francis de Sales’s ‘Spiritual The first three days I was in shock. It was not until I valleys into lush, green farmland, and a sort of beautiful has had an increased number of visitors who come to learn more Directory’ for a New Century: Re-interpreting the ‘Direction of passed through the shock, that I discovered what a university/conference center they have built over one about the Salesian-Oblate charism.

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German-Speaking Region Oblates: Fr. Thomas Guenther, Fr. Alois Halsbauer, Br. Hans Fr. Konrad Esser, OSFS, Haus Overbach, D-52428 Jülich-Barmen, Dutch language. It would be helpful if some of these materials Leidenmuehler, Fr. Eugen Szabo, and Fr. Anton Steinberger. Tel.: (+49) 02461-930152, email: [email protected]; in were also available in English, French, and German. For more AUSTRIAN/SOUTH-GERMAN PROVINCE Additional information about the activities of the De Sales Austria: Bro. Hans Leidenmuehler, OSFS, Ettinghausengasse 1, A- detailed information, visit the site at www.oblaten.osfs.nl. Oblates of this parish may be obtained at www.pfarre-krim.at. 1190 Wien; Tel: (+43) 01-3206697, email: [email protected] Visitation Sisters Fr. Willem Spann, OSFS, of the Netherlands Province is the new editor of the Jahrbuch für Salesianische Studien (Yearbook Fr. Herbert Winklehner gave days of recollection for women of As we have seen in the pages of this Newsletter, pilgrimages are On the German version page of the ICSS homepage (www.franz- for Salesian Studies), which is published annually by the the Catholic employee movement of the diocese of Eichstätt, still very popular among the Germans. From 22–29 August 2004, von-sales.de), there is a detailed description of the Visitation Arbeitsgemeinschaft für salesianische Studien (Workgroup Bavaria, on 18-21 March 2004. His topic was: “Bloom Where a pilgrimage will be conducted to sites important to the Salesian sisters. Among other things, it includes an overview of the for Salesian Studies). The next edition (volume 36) is to be You Are Planted: The Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.” family. The pilgrims will travel to Annecy, Paray-Le-Monial, and Visitation monasteries in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and published in the fall of 2004. ICSS wishes Fr. Spann success in Troyes. These pilgrimages are intended for older adolescents throughout the world. Also former monasteries are listed. his new position of disseminating Salesian spirituality in the In the Annakirche (Church of St. Anna) of the De Sales and adults who are interested in the founding and work of the German-speaking world. His predecessor, Fr. Gottfried Prinz, Oblates in Vienna, Austria, a “Sales Runde” (De Sales Group) De Sales Oblates and in Salesian spirituality. They are organized Italy OSFS, who will celebrate his 80th birthday this year, has pledged meets monthly with Fr. Joseph Burstlinger, OSFS, to discuss and conducted by Fr. Konrad Esser, OSFS. See above for how to his support to Fr. Spann with his long experience as editor from Salesian topics. Fr. Maximilian Hofinger, OSFS, also has a contact him. The Visitation Sisters of Salò, Brescia, write that they have Philothea Group that meets monthly to study selected texts on 1996 up to 2004. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft now has its own Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales discovered in reading the ICSS Newsletter “a big, very lively homepage: www.franz-sales-verlag.de/agsal the devout life. Further information about these two groups is Salesian world,” and have informed the other 29 Italian available at www.annakirche.at. Visitation monasteries of the existence of this Newsletter. In the The Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales are celebrating the 100th Under the leadership of Fr. Franz Wehrl, OSFS, the Salesian anniversary of their foundation in Lintz, Upper Austria, with last issue, we noted two works published by the Salò Visitation. collection of the Salesian Institute in Eichstätt has been A discussion group headed by Fr. Johannes Haas, OSFS, and many different events. The centenary opened on 3 December The sisters are in the process of making an Italian translation of computerized over a period of years. It is now possible to search Monika Rauh meets during the spring semester at the Salesian 2003 with a festive Eucharistic liturgy celebrated by Bishop the ICSS booklet, Leadership in the Salesian Tradition, and plan to online for the books and to borrow them. There are currently Center in the Salesianum, Eichstätt, Bavaria. The topic is Maximilian Aichern, ordinary of the diocese of Linz, with distribute this version to the other Italian monasteries, as well as almost 700 books, whose titles are electronically accessible at “Spiritual Friendship” with the group discussing the letters of Fr. Konrad Haußner, OSFS, Provincial of the Austrian/South to the Italian Oblates. Their enthusiasm for materials dealing www.franz-von-sales.de, under the heading “Libraries.” Francis de Sales to Jane de Chantal. German Province, and Fr. Roger Balducelli, OSFS, former with Salesian spirituality is truly inspiring. Superior General of the De Sales Oblates, concelebrating. On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the first meeting of At this year’s Katholikentag (“Meeting of the German Toledo-Detroit Province Mother Françoise-Isabelle Stiegler, the late Superior General of Jane de Chantal and Francis de Sales, an article by Fr. Johannes Catholics”) in Ulm, Germany, Fr. Johannes Haas spoke on the the Oblate Sisters, also participated. The story of this anniversary nd Haas, OSFS, was published in the newspaper of the diocese topic “From Heart to Heart. Spiritual Friendship Between Two The Joseph F. Power, OSFS, 22 Annual Conference on the appeared in the diocesan newspaper and was headlined by a of Eichstätt. The article is entitled, “Longing and Pain: 400 Years Saints: Jane de Chantal and Francis de Sales.” The talk was Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal will saying of the founder of the Oblate sisters, St. Léonie Aviat, “Linz Ago Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal Met Each Other” given on 18 June 2004 at the Spiritual Center. More information be held this year from 5-8 August at the St. Louis Visitation. This Is Our Small Sunbeam.” You can learn more about the Oblate (in Kirchenzeitung für das Bistum Eichstätt, vol. 67, no. 10 about the program can be found at www.katholikentag.de very informative conference consists of presentations, common Sisters of Linz at www.computronic.at/homes/oblatinnen/. [7 March 2004]:18). The article is also available on the Internet prayer, beautifully prepared Eucharistic liturgies, discussion groups, at www.dachsberg.at/fvs_down/Sehnsuch.rtf. A similar article on Over the many years that Fr. Alois Eckerstorfer served as a Daughters of St. Francis de Sales a Salesian marketplace, and used book sale. “Encounters” is this this providential meeting has been written by Fr. Winklehner missionary in South Africa, he established very cordial relations year’s theme to mark the 400th Anniversary of the first meeting of Jane and Francis on 5 March 1604. The presenters and their topics and is available on the German version of the ICSS homepage: with the Calvinists. Through these relationships he personally The German-speaking Swiss group of the Daughters of St. Francis are as follows: Fr. James Cryan, OSFS, “Biblical Encounters”; www.franz-von-sales.de. The title of the article is “5 March experienced the power of St. Francis de Sales’s well-known de Sales found a new spiritual director recently: Fr. Antony Dr. Wendy Wright, “Close Encounters of the Salesian Kind”; 1604: Jane de Chantal and Francis de Sales Encounter Each saying, attributed to him by his very close friend, Bishop Camus: Kolencherry, a member of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales Rev. Bernard Bangley, a retired Presbyterian Minister who exclaims Other for the First Time.” “You can catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a from India. They are planning to set up a convent with four that he is “in love with Francis, a wonderful friend,” “An Encounter barrel of vinegar.” During his departure from Augrabies, his Indian sisters in the Swiss city of Solothurn. During Lent 2004, there was posted a Salesian spiritual calendar former mission station, his work was recognized by the Calvinists With God”; Fr. Joseph Boenzi, SDB, “Encountering Others: The Forever Unfinished Treatise”; and Jeanne Hunt, “Weaving a on the German version of the ICSS site. For each day of Lent, in a liturgical celebration. According to Fr. Eckerstorfer, this On 1 May 2004 the Group Austria-East had the great pleasure of Post-Modern Fabric.” This conference promises to be a very there were thoughts of St. Francis de Sales and insights for may have been the first time in the history of the Church in receiving a new member, Gabi Maier. The celebration will take engaging and exciting one. For further information meditation, as well as for spiritual aspirations throughout the day. South Africa that a Catholic priest was publicly honored in a place at Seckau. Another woman is also interested in becoming and registration, consult the website of De Sales Resources and liturgy conducted by Calvinists. a member of the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales and has Ministries: www.desalesresource.org/conference.asp. The members of the De Sales Oblate community of the parish of already begun her two-year formation. Krim, Vienna, Austria, extended an invitation to their GERMAN PROVINCE parishioners to participate in Salesian retreats on everyday life Netherlands Province As noted in the last issue of this Newsletter, Fr. James Cryan, during Lent 2004. The overall theme was “Healing Steps to From 4–11 July 2004, accompanied Salesian retreats took place at OSFS, former Provincial of this Province, spent the past Life.” During the five evening meetings, the following Salesian the Visitation monastery at Zangberg, Bavaria. A team of religious Congratulations to the Dutch Province on setting up its own academic year as the first Salesian Scholar in Residence at the topics were presented: 1) How to Spend Our Time, 2) We Do and lay people from the Salesian family conduct these retreats website. In addition to a brief history of the Oblates, there is a Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at De Sales University. Not Live for Ourselves, 3) The Place of Pleasure in Life, 4) A with one team member assigned to one retreatant. Texts of report on Namibia from Fr. Martin Avaroid, OSFS, pictures of the Fr. Cryan gave an open lecture on the fruit of his Salesian God to Fall in Love With, and 5) Resurrection to Life. St. Francis de Sales and from the Sacred Scripture are the basis for 75th anniversary of the founding of the Province and of important research, entitled “Ethical Action in an Age of Globalization,” The spiritual directors for these retreats were the following these retreats. For further information, contact in Germany: Salesian sites in Annecy. Unfortunately, the site is all in the on 26 April 2004.

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In the Winter 2004 issue of Bondings, the Province’s newsletter, dwells on spiritual friendship as exemplified by Francis and Jane, “a good Salesian” who was “animated by love of the Eucharist and this. He was only thirty, young, zealous, skillful in debate, and the there is Part I of a very thoughtful article on “Salesian Virtues: and how it was rooted in Christ’s passion and the beneficial effects of the Virgin,” the Pope added. winner of countless encounters with adversaries. But all his skill Surrendering to God’s Will” by Fr. William N. Dougherty, OSFS. it has had and continues to have for the Church and humanity. failed to move Beza. When argumentation failed, he tried bribery He notes in striking imagery the obstacles to surrender, and then The third is Alexandrina Maria da Costa (1904-1955), and offered Beza in the name of the pope a yearly pension of 4000 focuses on the foundational virtue of humility as understood by Fr. Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS, chairman of the ICSS, a laywoman of the Union of Salesian Cooperators. She relived gold crowns and a sum equal to twice as much as the value of his St. Francis de Sales in the sense of an honest appraisal and presented the paper “‘That man in the world most accomplished “mystically the passion of Christ and offered herself as a victim for personal effects. This Beza could not tolerate. Politely but acceptance of our strengths and our weaknesses. in all sorts of perfections’: St. Joseph in Francis de Sales’s Sermon sinners, receiving strength from the Eucharist that became the sole emphatically Beza told him: “Go, sir; I am too old and too deaf to of 19 March 1622,” at the 50th annual meeting of the Renaissance nourishment of the last 13 years of her life,” the Pontiff explained. be able to hear such words!” (www.rsglh.org/beza.htm). Wilmington-Philadelphia Province Society of America in New York City (31 March-3 April 2004). It was one of three papers presented at a special session on “Verbal Fr. Joseph Boenzi, SDB, writes: “On the Francis de Sales front, Interestingly, this article looks upon Francis’s offer of living The Province has published the keynote address presented by and Visual Images of St. Joseph in Early Modern Catholic Art and Jean-Pierre de Becker, one of our Belgian Salesian missionaries expenses if Beza were converted as a bribe. In those days, to Dr. Wendy M. Wright, professor of Theology and holder of the John Literature” organized by Fr. Chorpenning and sponsored by Saint from the Central African Province who took part in the convert to Catholicism in Calvinist-held territories could result C. Kenefick Chair in the Humanities at Creighton University, at its Joseph’s University Press, where he is editorial director. “Institute- of Salesian Spirituality” at Berkeley in 2002-2003, in being deprived of all one’s income, property, and possessions. quadriennal convocation in June 2003. It is entitled Seeking God’s just published a book on Salesian style prayer for young adults in Will Together: Discernment in the Salesian World of Hearts. South American Region Africa. The book is the fruit of his studies and research on the Rare Books Acquisitions spirituality of Francis de Sales during his sojourn in Berkeley.” Under the dynamic leadership of Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS, the The Spanish translation of the edition millénaire of Fr. Brisson’s The book is called Méditation Action: comment faire? Avec Saint The Head Librarian of De Sales University, Debbie Malone, De Sales Spirituality Center has developed a number of new conferences is steadily progressing under the guidance of François de Sales pour Guide (Lumbubashi: Editions Don Bosco, successfully bid on eBay for the well-known two-volume work on programs and services. Among these new programs are: “Chisel or Fr. Laurentius van der Raadt, OSFS. He reports that volume four 2004). He also informs us that, after a lapse of two years due to the life of St. Francis de Sales authored by Chanoine Jacque Chainsaw? Living a Gentle Life,” “Size Matters: Salvation and has been translated, and work on volume five has begun. financial constraints, publication of the Journal of Salesian Studies Marsollier. The book, originally published in 1700, is entitled the Little Things,” “Spirituality for Lay Ecclesial Leaders,” In addition, a new Portuguese version of “Praying the Rosary of the Salesian Institute in Berkeley will resume with Fr. Thomas La vie de François de Sales, Prince et Evêque de Genève, Instituteur “Supreme Blessedness: The Beatitudes Revisited,” “Gifts That with St. Francis de Sales” is underway and will include the Prendiville as editor. Fr. Prendiville is also the new Director of de la Visitation de Sainte Marie (Paris: chez Gregoire du Puis, Matter: A Salesian Retreat for Confirmation and Advent,” Luminous Mysteries. the Institute. 1777). It has a dedication to Madame de Maintenon, who “Lay Leaders of Worship: Spirituality and Skills,” “AAA: Avoiding greatly admired the saint and the Visitation sisters. She had a Anger and Anxiety,” “Faith Foundations: A Salesian Approach to Fr. van der Raadt has put together a set of pictures of all of the Francis de Sales and the Oratorians great influence on her husband, King Louis XIV. Through Ministry.” In addition to serving Oblate apostolates, the Center is OSFS Superiors General. He would be happy to send a copy of another successful bid on eBay, the Trexler Library has obtained extending its programs through its five Regional Directors to non- this set, via e-mail attachment, that may be downloaded onto a Another interesting news item supplied by Fr. Boenzi is that the a 1665 English translation of the Introduction to a Devout Life. Oblate parishes, diocesan directors of adult formation, and other CD-ROM, to any Oblate who would like to have it. His e-mail Oratorians consider St. Francis de Sales as one of their patron diocesan ministries. The Center’s site has added a host of new address is: [email protected]. saints. Fr. Boenzi learned that the Oratorians “point to the ‘Holy New Publications materials, such as a Spanish translation of the Spiritual Directory, House [at Thonon established by Francis] and the decree of “A Month With Mother Aviat,” and free discussion guides for Salesians of Don Bosco erection of 1599 of Pope Clement VIII, naming him superior ENGLISH certain well-known Salesian books. It also has vol. 3 of Salesian ad instar Congregationis Oratorii de Urbe.’ It is from this date, that Perspectives translated into Spanish. Visit this site at THREE SALESIANS BEATIFIED he has always been considered an Oratorian.” Fr. Boenzi is aware Wendy Wright’s eagerly anticipated book, Heart to Heart: http://oblates.org/spirituality/, and be richly rewarded. that Francis encounters Pierre Bérulle three years later, but surmises The Salesian Spiritual Tradition, has been published in Orbis As reported by the Zenit news service, three members of the family that the Oratorians “would see this as a consequence of earlier Books’ series “Traditions of Christian Spirituality,” and is On 22 January 2004, the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture on of the Salesians of Don Bosco were among the six that were associations, not a starting point. For them, the great Cardinal available from De Sales Resources and Ministries. This work the campus of De Sales University was blessed and dedicated by recently beatified by Pope John Paul II. Among them was Augustus Baronius and the Blessed Gio Giovanale Ancina, are perhaps more brings to light a very flourishing Salesian spiritual tradition that Fr. Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, University President. The Center, a Czartoryski (1858-1893), son of Princess Maria Amparo Munoz de significant figures.” This reinforces Fr. Boenzi’s conviction that experienced a great resurgence in 19th-century France that has recently renovated private dwelling, houses a library in the Vista Alegre, daughter of the then queen consort and regent of Francis needs to be studied “from both sides of the Alps.” been called the “Salesian Pentecost.” reception area dealing with both Salesian spirituality and works on Spain, and Ladislaou Czaroryski, prince of Poland in exile. The study of the Italian influence on Francis will, no doubt, reveal faith and modern culture. There is also a very attractive Augustus gave up his titles of nobility to be ordained a priest in the an additional richness of his personality. The Oratorians’ site can Msgr. Charles M. Murphy, Belonging to God: A Personal Training conference room, as well as three offices. The Center continues to Salesian Society of St. John Bosco. He chose “a life of poverty to be visited at www.oratoriosanfilippo.org/santi.html. Guide for the Deeper Catholic Spiritual Life. This is a recasting of reach and teach people in many geographical areas in the United serve the littlest ones,” the Holy Father said. The Pope proposed Fr. the Introduction to a Devout Life. John P. McClernon, Sermon States through its innovative program of Salesian Studies Online Augustus as an example to young people on how to discern the will Another View of Francis and Beza in a Sentence: A Treasury of Quotations on the Spiritual Life Courses. To date, eleven courses have been offered with an of God in their lives. “Learn from Blessed Augustus to ardently from the Writings of St. Francis de Sales. Both of these books average enrollment of eight per course from many different states. request in prayer the light of the Holy Spirit and wise guides, so Here is the way a Reformed Church of Calvinism writer views the are available from De Sales Resources and Ministries at As more experience is gained, the Center will be poised to offer that you will be able to know the divine plan for your lives and be attempts of Francis to convert Theodore Beza, Calvin’s successor: [email protected]. Salesian Studies courses online to an international audience. capable of walking always on the path of holiness.” This is An article by Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS, Director of the Center, reminiscent of the short method for discerning God’s will set forth Repeatedly the rumors of his return to the bosom of Rome were Margaret Gordon Kender, former Vice President for Student entitled “True Passion Revealed in Spiritual Friendships” was by Francis de Sales in his Treatise on the Love of God. Also among spread far and wide. In fact, specific efforts were made to persuade Affairs at De Sales University, has published a very timely and published in the 11 March 2004 issue of the A.D. Times, the the new beati is the Spaniard Eusebia Palomino Yenes (1899-1935), him to return to the Romish Church. On one occasion, when Beza readable article, “Francis de Sales, A Saint for Today’s Troubled newspaper of the diocese of Allentown. In the article, Fr. Dailey a religious of the Institute of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, was an old man (1597), a certain François came to Geneva to do Times,” Liguorian (Jan. 2004): 27-29.

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Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS, “‘Live Jesus!’: Salesian Spirituality,” Forthcoming publications updated bibliography that reflects this reciprocity contains works de Sales, 1844-1914, fondatrice des Oblates de Saint François de Sales Magnificat, vol. 5, no. 12 (Jan. 2004): 329-32. published after Fr. Carney’s death in 1989. So it is obvious that (Troyes, 1991) by Marie-Aimée d’Esmauges, with a fine preface by The Franz von Sales Verlag is planning to publish two essays of the Fr. Carney, who authored the original article, did not update the the then Superior General of the Oblates, Fr. Roger Balducelli. Fr. Anthony Ceresko, OSFS, “Interpretation of the Song of German writer Reinhold Schneider on Francis de Sales and Jane bibliography. However, Fr. Carney apparently was not familiar The English version of this work is unfortunately not noted. Songs in St. Francis de Sales: How a Saint Learned the Lessons de Chantal. Reinhold Schneider (1903-58) is considered one of with the groundbreaking work of Henri Bremond’s Histoire There is an earlier and much longer biography, difficult to come of Love,” Salesianum, 66 (2004): 31-50. the most important German-speaking writers of the 20th century. littéraire du sentiment religieux en France, where Bremond by, entitled Vie de la servante de Dieu, la très Reverende Mère In 1956 he was honored for his work with the Peace Award of the convincingly demonstrates in volume two (published in 1923) the Françoise de Sales Aviat, fondatrice de la congregation des Oblates de FRENCH German book-trade. The two essays have been out of print for influence of Jane on Francis’s ideas on prayer. One very important Saint Francois de Sales, 1844-1914 (Rome: Imprimerie Polyglotte many years, and will be published in Fall 2004. resource understandably lacking in the bibliography, because it Vaticane, 1928). Another work which was submitted for the Jean-Pierre Wagner, “L’élévation de l’âme à Dieu par les was not available at the time of publication, is the six volumes of process of her canonization is Canonizationis Beatae Franciscae sacrements selon saint François de Sales,” Revue des Sciences In Fall 2004, the CD-ROM edition of the 12 volumes of the works Jane’s correspondence edited by Sr. Mary Patricia Burns, VHM, Salesiae (in saec: Leoniae Aviat) Fundatricis Congregationis Sororum Religieuses, Faculté de Theologie Catholique, Strausbourg, 78, of St. Francis de Sales in German is scheduled to be published. Archivist of the Annecy Visitation. Recent research being done Oblatarum S. Francisci Salesii (1844-1914) (Roma: Tipografia no. 2 (2004): 183-203. on the 400th anniversary of the initial encounter of Jane and Guerra, 2000). The two latter works are in the Salesian Collection Erich Hehberger is working on a book entitled, Die Darstellung Francis should provide additional resources on this remarkable of the De Sales University library. Philippe Legros, François de Sales: Une poétique de l’imaginaire. des Franz von Sales im Kupferstich des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts relationship for a future article. Étude des représentations visuelles dans l’Introduction à la vie dévote et (Portraits of St. Francis de Sales in the Engravings of the 17th and M. L. Lynn’s article on St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is another le Traité de l’amour de Dieu (Tubingen: Gunter Narr Verlag, 2004). 18th Centuries), that studies images made to commemorate the Fr. Carney has also authored the brief notices on Fr. Brisson and reprint with an updated bibliography most likely done by canonization of St. Francis de Sales in 1665. The planned Mary de Sales Chappuis that are also reprints. Space limitations for the editors. The bibliography could be enriched by noting the GERMAN publication date is 2005. both of these Oblate founders were no doubt dictated by the editors importance of the imagery of the heart in Salesian spirituality as Angelika Brunner wrote two Salesian articles in the and account for their brevity. The Fr. Brisson article is unchanged described by Wendy M. Wright in her perceptive article, “‘That Is Catholic journal Die Mitarbeiterin (The Employee). The first Book Review: Oblate-Salesian Patrons from the one that appeared in the previous edition and contains What It Is Made For’: The Image of the Heart in the Spirituality article is entitled “‘All Through Love, Nothing by Force.’ the same error. His middle name is listed as Alexandre instead of of Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal,” in Spiritualities of the Spiritual Friendships: Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal,” The new edition of the New Catholic Encyclopedia, (New York: Aloysius. Fr. Carney did not have the benefit of recent research on Heart (New York: Paulist Press, 1990). Also her book, Sacred 1/2004 (Jan.-Feb.): 24-26. The second article is: “‘God Gave Thomason, Gale, 2002), published in association with both of these candidates for sainthood. The documented biography Heart: Gateway to God, contains several important works not Me to You:’ Francis de Sales, a Bishop in Search of a Feminine The Catholic University of America, contains articles on Francis on Fr. Brisson written by Fr. Beaudoin, OMI, former consultor to mentioned in the bibliography of this entry. These works place Spirituality” 6/1997 (Nov.-Dec.): 14-16. Copies of these articles de Sales, Jane de Chantal, Margaret Mary, Léonie Aviat, Mary de the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, sheds new light on the the devotion to the Sacred Heart in a wider and deeper are available on request from the Klensverlag: e-mail: Sales Chappuis, and Father Brisson. Unfortunately, the only new priest’s painful and strained relationship with his ordinary, Bishop theological and historical context. The astonishing influence that [email protected], Tel: (0211) 94 47 94-16, articles are those on Francis de Sales and Léonie Aviat. The others, Cortet, and shows how Fr. Brisson understood and implemented this devotion had on the history of France, especially in the fax: (0211) 94 47 94-30. th regrettably, are mere reprints, and in two instances (Margaret Mary the social Gospel. Surprisingly, Fr. Carney does not note that Mary 19 century, as pointed out by Wright, makes us better appreciate ATP and Jane), some more recent bibliographical information has been de Chappuis, affectionately known as the Good Mother, was how extensive this devotion was. ) Spirituelles Lesebuch für die Fasten- und Osterzeit 2004 (Spiritual added either by the editors or the author of the article. A rather considered by Fr. Brisson to be the foremost interpreter of the Readings during Lent and Easter 2004) (Leipzig: Benno Verlag, spirituality of St. Francis de Sales in her day. This is the way he puts unscholarly and unreliable manner of proceeding. The ICSS NEWSLETTER was founded in 1997 and is 2004). This book contains different spiritual texts for meditation it: The Good Mother is “the most experienced interpreter and most published biannually by the International Commission on during Lent and Easter. There are also six longer texts from The article on Francis de Sales, written by Fr. Joseph Power, OSFS, faithful reflection of [the saint’s teaching]” (Vie de la vénéré Mère de Salesian Studies (ICSS) of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Francis de Sales: “Praying in hopeless situations,” “Praying is (Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS Chairman; Jean Gayet, OSFS; is the most extensive. Fr. Power circulated drafts of this article Sales Chappuis [Paris, 1891], 84). The article does mention necessary,” “Concerning gentle patience with oneself,” “Living Herbert Winklehner, OSFS, Dirk Koster, OSFS). Its primary among several frequent participants in the Salesian Scholars questions raised about her spirituality, but merely states that her with hope,” “Looking for peace,” and “In the spirit of love.” purpose is to disseminate on a global scale information Seminar, which he founded. The biographical section contains teachings, despite the contrary claim, “did not…profess to dealing with Salesian Studies (St. Francis de Sales; St. Jane the highlights of Francis’s life and is presented in a well-organized inaugurate a new school.” In point of fact, she was falsely accused Frances de Chantal; Fr. Louis Brisson, founder of the Oblates Erich Hehberger, Kloster Dietramszell. Schwestern von der and very readable fashion. It draws on the most up-to-date of Semi-Quietism by Fr. Henri Watrigant, S.J. This and other of St. Francis de Sales; the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales; the Heimsuchung Mariä (The Monastery of Dietramszell. Visitation unfounded accusations by Fr. Watrigant have been effectively Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales; the Visitation of Holy research on the saint. In dealing with his writings and teachings, Mary; Lay Institutes and other Religious who are members of Sisters) (Lindenberg: Verlag Josef Fink, 2004). The book describes refuted by Fr. Roger Balducelli in a work published by the ICSS, the great importance of his spiritual friendship with Jane de the Salesian Family). the fascinating history of the Visitation monastery in Dietramszell, Chantal is emphasized. The author rightly points out how this The Cause of the Good Mother. Since her cause for canonization is with many historical photographs. For an initial impression of this Editor: Joseph F. Chorpenning, OSFS (Saint Joseph’s and other pastoral experiences profoundly shaped his spirituality. in “limbo,” Fr. Carney was being very guarded here. monastery, visit its webste: www.kloster-dietramszell.de University Press, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131- The bibliography reflects Fr. Power’s extensive knowledge of the 1395, USA; e-mail: [email protected]) saint, and hence represents a judicious selection of worthwhile Although the article on Mother Aviat by Katherine Rabenstein, CROATIAN one of the contributing editors, notes the date of her canonization, News Editor: Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS. News items for works relating to this great spiritual writer. future issues should be sent to Fr. Pocetto via e-mail Sveti Franjo Saleski, Radovati se u Bogu. Duhovni putokazi (Split: the entry is listed as “Aviat, Francesca Salesia, BL.” Also, the same ([email protected]), fax (610/282-2059), or by Verbum, 2004). This book contains different instructions of By contrast, the reprinted article on St. Jane de Chantal, by the error noted above lists Fr. Brisson’s first name as Alexander mail (De Sales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center St. Francis de Sales for a happy Christian life in the world. late Fr. Edward Carney, OSFS, now seems out of date. It fails to instead of Aloysius, a good example of how errors are easily Valley, PA 18034-9568, USA). The publishing company “Verbum” of the Salesians of Don mention the devastating effect that the accidental death of Jane’s compounded. Even though there is precious little written on the Designed, typeset, and printed at the Printing Office of Saint Bosco in Croatia has translated and published several books with husband had on her and does not, in this writer’s view, emphasize saint, the bibliography lists only one short biography mistakenly Joseph’s University Press, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395, USA. Salesian items in the last several years. For further information, the rich and enriching reciprocity in the renowned spiritual noted as translated into German from the Italian instead of from consult Verbum’s website: www.verbum.hr. friendship of Jane and Francis. This is not surprising since the the original French version: M’oublier entierement: Mère Françoise